ONCE AND FOR ALL

PRAYER MOMENT Thursday 22 January 2015 ONCE AND FOR ALL Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within. Reading: “He has done this once and for all by offering himself.” (Hebrews 7:25 - 8:6) Reflection. Warming to his theme the author of this letter now concentrates on the one great offering of Jesus of himself in Jerusalem before the Jewish leaders, before the Romans and on Calvary. This one act stands for all time as the event which halts the drift of humanity into meaninglessness and self destruction. It not only reverses it but lifts all creation into a new life of purpose and fulfilment. It is done once and that is sufficient for all time. It is also done “for all” because it embraces all humankind, except those who, mysteriously, deliberately opt out of this saving drama. So the author describes the fulfilment of everything the Jewish priesthood symbolised and everything the priesthood of the followers of Jesus long for. Prayer. Lord Jesus, High Priest of our new life in God, we thank you for the gift of your self offering which we remember and in which we join each time we celebrate the Eucharist. Amen. David Harold-Barry SJ